Community Highlights: Meet Heather Hudgens of Heather h esthetics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Hudgens.

Hi Heather, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always loved skincare and beauty. My middle school science project was different DIY masks based on your skin type using ingredients from your kitchen. Growing up in a small town in North Carolina I didn’t have any guidance of esthetics as a career so I went to college and majored in broadcasting, ultimately landing me in advertising. The recession hit and I was out of a job but took that as a kick in the pants to get licensed in esthetics. I would work a full time corporate job and go to school on the weekends. It was a very long and hard year but that’s the point if you have a long term goal.

I have been an esthetician for about 15 years and have worked in various parts of the skincare industry from Med Spa, freelance(skincare and makeup), corporate spa, and small business. I am grateful for each experience as I’ve learned so much from the clients and colleagues I’ve had along the way. I never had the thought of going out on my own but in the end I believed in myself and have an incredible support system that helped me realized I can do hard things. Having my own business is scary but also incredibly rewarding and I am so fortunate to have found the amazing place I call my own getting to do what I love!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The beauty industry is tough on its own, but even more so when competing with social media and the over saturation of product lines, influencers and AI giving advice. Luckily I have gained the trust of my clients so they know I’m not pushing them towards full product lines and only want the best for their skin and them in general. It’s tough to tell a client that the routine they bought from a filtered influencer isn’t for them and they’ve practically spent their paycheck on nothing. My goal is to streamline a routine based on a clients skincare goals/needs and that may be having them use a basic drugstore cleanser and spf which isn’t fancy or popular but what may be best.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Heather h esthetics?
I am a licensed esthetician that offers facials, lash lifts, tinting, brow services, and body waxing. I offer customized facials based on your needs whether it be acne help or an oxygen facial. I offer a facial(also have a similar one for makeup) called “The Starter” for new and existing clients that want to revamp their routine or may not know how to use what they have. They bring in their products and we go over them together. I sometimes say to toss some things or modify what products are used but will never judge what you have in your kit.

Coming to see me for a service be it a brow wax or 90 min facial is a time you have dedicated for yourself and I want clients to leave their service knowing they’ve been taken care of and feel good about themselves.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
My dream as a kid living in a small NC town was always to live in Atlanta. I wanted to live in a city but still have the southern feel. I love that we are in a city but it’s still very hometown and each neighborhood has its own quaint feel.

And though each neighborhood has its own feel I will only travel within a 2-3 mile radius of mine because I’m not trying to be in the car all day. I live in Kirkwood so if I need something that requires me to go to Buckhead or midtown that’s a tricky one.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://heatherhudgens.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: @heatherh_esthetics
• Other: Heather@heatherhesthetics.com